Local Government Association

Nicole Gardiner, a Legal Business Support Officer from Norwich City Council, was inspired to start her apprenticeship journey having seen others developing into different sectors and gaining new skills through the apprenticeship route.

The 2026 Local Government Apprentice of the Year winner - Leena Futter - began her journey in local government in October 2022 as a casual Recreational Assistant. This led on to her first apprenticeship opportunity as a Leisure and Fitness Apprentice. In September 2025, Leena then took a bold step into her current role as a Corporate Project Administrator Apprentice at Borough Council of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk and is now undertaking her second apprenticeship, level 3 Business Administrator.

One of this year’s Local Government Apprentice of the Year runners up is Katy Howlett, a level 3 Business Administrator apprentice at Plymouth City Council who began her journey into local government just eight months ago, when she secured an apprenticeship at The Box, Plymouth.

Victoria Deacon, Assistant Director for People & Corporate Services, nominated Jay Chauhan, a Level 3 Health and Safety apprentice at Leicester City Council, for the Local Government Apprentice of the Year 2026 event in recognition of the significant contribution he has made to the Health and Safety Team.